2018 Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final Program

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GRAND FINAL SOUVENIR PROGRAM SUN 26 AUG 2018, PERTH ARENA V

Playing sport builds confidence for life.

Start playing, keep playing. suncorp.com.au/teamgirls

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CONTENTS 1

Welcome from Suncorp

19

2

Welcome from Netball Australia

20 2018 Retirements

National Champions

3

The Umpires

23

Trivia Zone

4

Fever v Lightning

24

Cath Cox Q&A

6

What It’ll Take To Win

26

Sharelle McMahon Q&A

8

2018 Key Moments

18

2018 Suncorp Super Netball Player Stats

KEEP IN CONTACT /SUPERNETBALL

@SUPERNETBALL

@SUPERNETBALL

WELCOME FROM SUNCORP As Netball Australia’s principal partner, we are thrilled to bring you the Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final, the pinnacle of the season for our much-loved competition.

Netball has one of the highest rates of sports participation, and at Suncorp we’re proud of the role we play in supporting the game from the grassroots level, to the heights of professional competition.

We want to see the Suncorp Super Netball competition continuing to grow and attract new fans as the matches are broadcast into millions of homes each season, allowing all Australians to watch these sporting stars in action.

Whether you are a participant or spectator, netball has always been an inclusive sport, where players are role models for younger generations.

For years, the sport has brought families together every weekend to play and watch – inspiring girls and women to pursue their ambitions confidently. Suncorp Super Netball is one way we continue to inspire young Australians to strive, excel and succeed – on and off the court.

Suncorp also partners with Netball Australia to deliver the #TeamGirls program. #TeamGirls aims to build a nation of confident girls and we champion the importance of participation in sport.

Congratulations to all the Suncorp Super Netball teams on a successful 2018 season.

Good luck to this year’s finalists and we look forward to continuing our support for this competition and this important and exciting sport.

MICHAEL CAMERON Suncorp CEO and Managing Director

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WELCOME FROM NETBALL AUSTRALIA What a thrilling Grand Final awaits us, with West Coast Fever hosting their first ever major final against the reigning Suncorp Super Netball champions Sunshine Coast Lightning.

It was such an entertaining regular season and the finals have taken things to whole new level. With individual battles all over the court and two close encounters between Fever and Lightning this season, it is set up to be a blockbuster match in front of a packed Perth Arena.

The Grand Final stands to create history if Fever win, it will be the first time a Western Australian netball club has won a national league championship and if Lightning retain their title, it will be a second consecutive championship and the fourth in-a-row for a Queensland-based club.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the clubs, member organisations, officials,

volunteers, fans, athletes and team officials for everything they do to make our game so great and allow Suncorp Super Netball to flourish.

A huge thanks to our Principal Partners, Suncorp and the AIS, Broadcast Partners Nine and Telstra TV and the great family of League and Club partners, including Major Partners Nissan, Cadbury, Samsung and Deakin.

You share our vision of making the league, clubs and athletes household names, and have been there every step of the way to propel netball into the future.

Those that can’t make the match can tune into Channel 9 and the Netball Live app to watch all the action unfold live and in HD. We look forward to an exciting Grand Final and wish both Fever and Lightning the very best of luck.

MARNE FECHNER Chief Executive Officer, Netball Australia

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THE UMPIRES Grand Final Umpires Michelle Phippard & Josh Bowring The bonus point system, the calibre of the world-class athletes and the increased professionalism have all combined to make the 2018 Suncorp Super Netball season one of the most enthralling in national league history.

But it’s not just the players who’ve been in the pressure cooker.

With bonus points on the line in the dying minutes of every single quarter, spare a thought for the umpires tasked with officiating each bruising contest.

Netball Australia General Manager – Workforce Officials Development, Lainie Houston said there’s no question the demands on the Suncorp Super Netball umpires have increased significantly this season.

“The entire season has been incredibly intense, like we’ve never seen before,” Houston said.

“It’s not only the umpires’ on-court performance, but their off-court reviews, training, recovery, the whole piece.”

With thousands of decisions to make in each and every game, packed and noisy stadiums and a time commitment of up to 15 hours a week – not including game day – Houston said the umpires have performed exceptionally.

“It’s their dedication and commitment to developing their craft in this new Suncorp Super Netball. The contribution they make to the quality of the Suncorp Super Netball product is outstanding.”

“Ultimately they’re there for the players and the fans, to make the game better.”

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FEVER V LIGHTNING

LAST TIME THEY MET The Sunshine Coast Lightning threw the book at the West Coast Fever back in Round 10, but the green machine hung on to win by the slimmest of margins in a bruising encounter at HBF Stadium.

Fast starts haven’t always been the Lightning’s forte in 2018, but they were absolutely humming in the first quarter in Perth, leading by as many as six goals before finishing the term ahead 18-14.

The first time the teams met this season Lightning superstar Geva Mentor held Fever import Jhaniele Fowler to just 39 goals – her lowest tally of the year – and the second time around the Lightning defensive end again looked like having a day out, with their pressure extracting a number of early turnovers.

But Fever began to fire in the second quarter, chewing into the margin and reducing it to just two goals at the main break, with Fowler potting 25 goals in the first 30 minutes.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS RD 10 : 2018

59/58 RD 12 : 2017

64/50

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RD 3 : 2018

56/55 RD 6 : 2017

66/49

The third quarter was all Fever as a 9-5 run took them into the lead for the first time, and at the final change they had their noses in front 47-45.

In a low-scoring tug-of-war the Lightning banged through the first four goals of the final quarter to again assume control, but halfway through the term Fowler helped herself to four consecutive goals to put the Fever back out by three.

Lightning coach Noeline Taurua tried everything in the last four minutes, bringing Madeline McAuliffe on at centre, Erena Mikaere on at wing defence and shifting Laura Scherian to wing attack, but they couldn’t manufacture the crucial turnover that would have allowed them to draw level, with the Fever holding on for a 59-58 win.

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WHAT IT’LL TAKE TO WIN Do Sunshine Coast Lightning have one last big effort in them?

After an exhausting and emotional fortnight in which they’ve taken down Queensland rivals the Firebirds and then minor premiers GIANTS Netball, Lightning would be forgiven for needing a break. But there’ll be no respite for them this time, with a refreshed Fever awaiting them at the end of a six-hour flight to Perth.

The Lightning need not look too far into the past to discover how taxing a three-week finals campaign can be – last year they trounced the GIANTS in the big one after the GIANTS had toppled the Magpies by a goal and then minor premiers Melbourne Vixens by eight goals in the preliminary final.

Those GIANTS results are eerily similar to Lightning’s finals fortunes this year.

As with almost every Fever game this season, the outcome will hinge on the job that the Lightning midcourt does in helping defenders Geva Mentor and Karla Pretorius put the

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brakes on Jhaniele Fowler and Nat Medhurst.

Mentor kept Fowler to only 39 goals in Round 3, and if the Englishwoman can get the better of that marquee match-up then Lightning will be in this for a long way.

Lightning, meanwhile, are riding a wave of momentum, and will need to build their own scoreboard pressure to force Fever into taking some risks. White-hot Lightning wing attack Kelsey Browne’s duel with Jess Anstiss will be a must-watch, while Fever goal keeper Courtney Bruce will have her biggest test of the season against Samsung Diamonds teammate Caitlin Bassett.

With both teams so evenly matched, the real question that will be asked in every single quarter is: who can hold their nerve?

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2018 KEY MOMENTS

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20 APRIL

28 APRIL

29 APRIL

20 MAY

27 MAY

The league announced several new rule changes for the 2018 season, alongside the introduction of the bonus point system.

The first 2018 Suncorp Super Netball centre pass was thrown to get the season underway in a huge derby between the Melbourne Vixens and Magpies Netball.

Jhaniele Fowler broke the record for the most goals scored in an individual game in the Suncorp Super Netball and the Trans-Tasman Netball League with 66 from 68 attempts, in her debut for West Coast Fever.

The reigning champions Sunshine Coast Lightning lost their first three games of the 2018 season, but beat their premiership hangover to get their first win on the board with a 52v50 victory over the Magpies Netball.

Renae Ingles returned to Suncorp Super Netball after the birth of her twins, when she took to the court in the third quarter against GIANTS Netball in Round 5.

7 JUNE

14 JUNE

20 JUNE

26 JUNE

7 - 8 JULY

The news broke that Melbourne Vixens’ Chloe Watson was expecting her first child with her fiancé Kurt and would miss the remainder of the 2018 season.

Queensland Firebirds Coach Roselee Jencke put pen to paper to extend her contract at the club until the end of 2020.

Netball Australia, the Australian Netball Players’ Association and the eight Suncorp Super Netball clubs announced the agreement to increase total player payments for 2019.

The Board of Netball SA confirmed that the contract of coach Dan Ryan, set to expire at the end of the 2018 season, would not be extended.

Suncorp Super Netball held its inaugural Indigenous Round, ahead of NAIDOC Week celebrations. Each team’s dress was unique and designed to represent the stories and culture of their local indigenous community.

8 JULY

9 JULY

12 JULY

12 JULY

14 JULY

Cat Tuivaiti returned to the court for the Adelaide Thunderbirds to play the Magpies Netball in Round 10, after spending nearly a year sidelined with an ACL tear.

Netball SA announced GIANTS Netball Assistant Coach Tania Obst would join the Adelaide Thunderbirds to replace Dan Ryan at season’s end as their new Coach for the next three seasons.

Susan Pettitt called an end to her netball career announcing that she would be retiring from both the domestic and international game at the end of the 2018 Suncorp Super Netball season.

England international Natalie Haythornthwaite joined the NSW Swifts as a permanent replacement player for the remainder of the season.

West Coast Fever Coach Stacey Marinkovich extended her contract with the club, signing until the end of the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season.

14 JULY

18 JULY

25 JULY

27 JULY

NSW Swifts lost to West Coast Fever despite scoring 68 goals, becoming the first team to score more than 63 in a Suncorp Super Netball game and lose.

Samsung Diamond and Magpies Netball defender Sharni Layton announced her retirement from all forms of professional netball at the end of the 2018 season.

Adelaide Thunderbirds landed the first major signing for the 2019 season, in highly soughtafter Jamaican international defender Shamera Sterling.

Magpies Netball Head coach Kristy Keppich-Birrell announced that she would be stepping down from her post at the end of the season.

29 APRIL FOWLER BREAKS GOAL SCORING RECORD

14 JULY SWIFTS LOSES WITH 63 GOALS

7 - 8 JULY NAIDOC WEEK

18 JULY LAYTON RETIRES

12 JULY PETTITT RETIRES

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Don’t be late, for this Fever Date!

3 Course Meal | Premium Beverages | Entertainment Wednesday 29 August 2018 | 6.30PM for a 7PM Start The University Club of Western Australia

Secure your tickets today at westcoastfever.com.au

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2018 QUAD SERIES

2018 CONSTELLATION CUP

RSA V AUS, AUCKLAND, NZL, 15 SEP

AUS V NZL, BRISBANE, AUS, 7 OCT

NZL V ENG, AUCKLAND, NZL, 15 SEP

AUS V NZL, TOWNSVILLE, AUS, 10 OCT

NZL V RSA, TAURANGA, NZL, 18 SEP

NZL V AUS, HAMILTON, NZL, 14 OCT

AUS V ENG, NEWCASTLE, AUS, 19 SEP

NZL V AUS, WELLINGTON, NZL, 18 OCT

RSA V ENG, MELBOURNE, AUS, 23 SEP AUS V NZL, MELBOURNE, AUS, 23 SEP

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COURTNEY BRUCE DOB: 08/12/93 HEIGHT: 189CM POSITIONS: GD, GK @Court.Bruce @Courtio

JESS ANSTISS DOB: 20/11/96 HEIGHT: 171CM POSITIONS: C, WD @J_Anstiss @j_anstiss

VERITY CHARLES DOB: 19/05/91 HEIGHT: 170CM POSITIONS: WA, C @VeritySimmons @VeritySimmons

INGRID COLYER DOB: 27/10/93 HEIGHT: 165CM POSITIONS: C, WA @Ingrid.Colyer @IngridColyer

SHANNON EAGLAND DOB: 16/05/90 HEIGHT: 182CM POSITIONS: WD, C, GD @Shannon_ eagland @ShannonEagland

STACEY FRANCIS DOB: 01/01/88 HEIGHT: 180CM POSITIONS: GD, GK, WD @StcyJyneFrancis @StcyJyneFrancis

JHANIELE FOWLER DOB: 21/07/89 HEIGHT: 198CM POSITIONS: GS

ANNIKA LEE-JONES DOB: 31/10/96 HEIGHT: 197CM POSITIONS: GK, GD, GS @annika_lj @annika_lj

NATALIE MEDHURST DOB: 20/01/84 HEIGHT: 175CM POSITIONS: GA, GS @NatMedhurst @NatMedhurst 12

KAYLIA STANTON DOB: 17/05/94 HEIGHT: 189CM POSITIONS: GS, GA @KayliaStanton_ @KayliaStanton

STACEY MARINKOVICH Head Coach

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C

GEVA MENTOR DOB: 17/09/84 HEIGHT: 190CM POSITIONS: GK, GD @GevaMentor @GevaMentor

CAITLIN BASSETT DOB: 23/05/88 HEIGHT: 193CM POSITIONS: GS @C_Bass_ Netball @CBassNetball

KELSEY BROWNE DOB: 17/01/92 HEIGHT: 164CM POSITIONS: WA, C @KelseyBrowne_ @KelseBrowne

CARA KOENEN DOB: 27/02/96 HEIGHT: 190CM POSITIONS: GS, GA @CaraKoenen

MADELINE McAULIFFE DOB: 05/12/94 HEIGHT: 180CM POSITIONS: C, WD @maddymcauliffe

ERENA MIKAERE DOB: 09/07/88 HEIGHT: 193CM POSITIONS: GK, GD @ErenaMikaere @ErenaMikaere

KARLA PRETORIUS DOB: 12/03/90 HEIGHT: 181CM POSITIONS: GD, WD @mostertkarlaa @karlamostert

JACQUI RUSSELL DOB: 01/06/88 HEIGHT: 176CM POSITIONS: WD, C @jac_russell

LAURA SCHERIAN DOB: 26/06/88 HEIGHT: 167CM POSITIONS: WA, C

STEPH WOOD DOB: 28/11/91 HEIGHT: 175CM POSITIONS: GA, WA @SJWood91 @WoodsJ91

NOELINE TAURUA Head Coach

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2018 SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL

PLAYER STATS 2018 REGULAR SEASON

MOST OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS

61

Romelda Aiken

Queensland Firebirds

MOST GOAL ASSISTS

426

Liz Watson

Melbourne Vixens

Courtney Bruce West Coast Fever

357

Madi Robinson Magpies Netball

MOST GOAL ATTEMPTS

Jhaniele Fowler

West Coast Fever

MOST DEFLECTIONS

102

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MOST CENTRE PASS RECEIVES

MOST GOALS

783

MOST DEFENSIVE REBOUNDS

846

Jhaniele Fowler West Coast Fever

MOST INTERCEPTS

Geva Mentor

Sunshine Coast Lightning

40

Karla Pretorius

Sunshine Coast Lightning

ALL TIME LEADERS MOST OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS: (137)

Romelda Aiken

Queensland Firebirds MOST GOAL ASSISTS: (714)

Liz Watson

Melbourne Vixens MOST GOALS: (1144)

Caitlin Thwaites Magpies Netball

MOST DEFLECTIONS: (192)

Geva Mentor

Sunshine Coast Lightning

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MOST DEFENSIVE REBOUNDS: (67)

Geva Mentor

Sunshine Coast Lightning MOST CENTRE PASS RECEIVES: (666)

Madi Robinson Magpies Netball

MOST GOAL ATTEMPTS: (1330)

Romelda Aiken

Queensland Firebirds MOST INTERCEPTS: (90)

Sharni Layton

Magpies Netball

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS WINNERS 2017 - Sunshine Coast Lightning 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008

- - - - - - - - -

Queensland Firebirds Queensland Firebirds Melbourne Vixens Adelaide Thunderbirds Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (NZ) Queensland Firebirds Adelaide Thunderbirds Melbourne Vixens New South Wales Swifts

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

- - - - - - - -

Sydney Swifts Sydney Swifts Melbourne Phoenix Sydney Swifts Melbourne Phoenix Melbourne Phoenix Sydney Swifts Melbourne Phoenix

1999 - Adelaide Thunderbirds 1998 - Adelaide Thunderbirds 1997 - Melbourne Phoenix 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991

- - - - - -

Melbourne Pumas Sydney Electricity Adelaide Contax Adelaide Garville Sydney Pulsars Sydney Pulsars

1990 - Melbourne City 1989 - Sydney Tigers 1988 - Not Held - disbanded due to difficulties with netball calendar 1987 - Melbourne Blue 1986 - A.I.S 1985 - A.I.S

FACTS MOST NATIONAL CHAMPIONS:

5 4 4

Melbourne Phoenix Adelaide Thunderbirds Sydney Swifts

MOST FINALS APPEARANCES:

10 7 7

Adelaide Thunderbirds Melbourne Phoenix Sydney Swifts

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2018 RETIREMENTS The end of the 2018 Suncorp Super Netball season has been as good as anything professional sport could possibly throw up, and yet it’s also been tinged with sadness, as we farewell some of our most decorated stars.

Pettitt has won multiple national league titles, earned 71 Diamonds caps, a Netball World Championship and three Commonwealth Games silver medals, and has done so with class and professionalism every step of the way.

In a sense it’s a generational shift, as a number of our most decorated players – most of them current and former Samsung Diamonds hang up their shoes and enjoy a very welldeserved retirement.

In a shock for many fans, GIANTS Netball also said goodbye to defensive player Bec Bulley, as she made the announcement at the conclusion of the preliminary final. The decorated Diamond was a member of the 2015 Netball World Cup winning team and played 228 national league games.

But while the next batch of young guns will inevitably rise up and assume the spotlight, can you ever truly replace a quartet like Sharni Layton, Susan Pettitt, Bec Bulley, Erin Bell and Shae Brown?

With many hundreds of national league appearances between them, hundreds of Diamonds caps and a legion of fans across Australia and internationally, few players have earned both the accolades and the respect that the retiring class of 2018 have deservedly received.

Layton has been a once in a generation player, with her truly unique brand of competitiveness, loud and proud character and wild athleticism establishing her as the game’s biggest name.

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One of the game’s most popular players, Bell is a two-time world champion and threetime national league winner who inspired a generation of young goal attacks with her fearless long bombs.

And Brown loyally rode the ups and downs with the West Coast Fever for almost a decade, becoming one of WA’s most popular players despite being a Victorian.

So as we prepare to farewell the 2018 season, let’s also take a moment to pay tribute to our departing stars. They’ll be sorely missed.

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Let’s Target at least 30 minutes of heart-rate raising physical activity a day.

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MEET YOUR NETSETGO AMBASSADORS Kaylia Stanton - West Coast Fever Age: 24 Position: GA, GS

Why did you start playing netball?

I started playing netball because I wanted to be just like my mum. She played netball as well and I thought it would be a fun sport to play with my friends.

Why do you love netball?

I love the camaraderie and friendships that you make through netball. It’s such a competitive sport and I love the challenges that comes with that. It’s so much fun to play and you learn new skills all the time.

What’s your favourite netball tip/trick/drill?

Always make sure you are enjoying your sport, no matter what level you reach, always enjoy the game and have fun.

Kelsey Browne - Sunshine Coast Lightning Age: 26 Position: WA, C

When did you start playing netball?

I started playing netball at 5 years of age in prep. I don’t think I touched the ball in my whole first season.

Why did you start playing netball?

I started playing because my sister had already been playing for a few seasons and it looked like a lot of fun! My parents were driving her so I thought I may as well get involved. I think I loved the sport as soon as I got on that court.

What’s your favourite netball tip?

I love doing any ball handling drills or cone work. You get to work really hard and test your touch on the ball when you’re tired.

Who was your sporting hero when you were a child?

My sporting hero has always been my sister (Madi Robinson).

She showed me that it can be done and I always love watching her play and seeing her craft.

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Find your nearest centre at netsetgo.asn.au

E N O Z A I V I TR ids

Quiz for the K

If you accidently bump into an opposition player, what penalty will the umpire call? a. Contact b. Rough play c. Obstruction d. Offside

2. Where does the centre start the game? a. b. c. d.

In the goal circle Out of court In the centre circle It changes every time

3. Where does the player with the ball take a throw in? a. b.

c.

d.

On court Out of court with their toes behind the line Out of court with their toes over the line There are no throw ins

4. True or false. The Wing Attack can take the throw in, inside the circle a. True b. False

SELECT THE ODD ONE OUT 1.

Helen Housby, Caitlin Bassett, Gretel Tippett, Jo Weston, Kate Moloney, Sharni Layton, Kate Shimmin

2.

Australia, New Zealand, England, Jamaica

3.

Fever, Vixens, Swifts, Flames, Magpies

4.

Sharni Layton, Kate Moloney, Laura Geitz, Liz Ellis, Sharelle McMahon, Caitlin Bassett, Jo Harten

WHO AM I?

For the parents

I was head coach of the Melbourne Phoenix in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy, taking the team to two title wins in 2002 and 2003.

Points 5

I was appointed head coach of the Australian U21 netball team from 2006–07.

4

I was appointed assistant coach of the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2008, under head coach Jane Woodlands-Thompson.

3

I was awarded the AIS Sport Performance Awards Coach of the Year for 2014.

In 2011, I was named as head coach of the Australian national netball team.

2 1

My name is?

Quiz Answers: 1) a, 2) c, 3) b, 4) b Select the odd one out: 1) Helen Housby, 2) New Zealand, 3) Flames, 4) Jo Harten Who am I? Lisa Alexander

1.

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CATH COX

DIAMONDS CHAMPION AND MEDIA PERSONALITY What has been your view on the 2018 season?

Spectacular, in a word. It has been impossible to pick results, because it has been so incredibly close. I can’t believe how many close matches there have been every week.

Who have been your standout players?

Karla Pretorius from the Sunshine Coast Lightning has had a standout season and, also Kelsey Browne from the same team, what she has been able to do now that she has had the opportunity.

Which team stood out for you and for what reason?

It is actually impossible to pick, the league has been so close that everyone has been inconsistent.

I would have to say Fever, being on top of the ladder for the entire season, not getting the minor premiership, but securing a home grand final - that is pretty special, especially after the season they had.

What is the major talking point of the season for you?

The bonus point system and the excitement it has created. It is funny, commentating on the weekend (in the finals) we desperately wanted to refer to it, but we couldn’t (as there are no bonus points in finals). Watching the game, I think the players still had it in their minds, in their desperation to win quarters. It brought something special to the season.

How do you think the new-look Samsung Diamonds will go in the international season?

It will be an interesting litmus test, there are no two ways about it. You have to start somewhere and there are a lot of young faces, but they don’t lack experience. They have been playing SSN for a few seasons and they are not lacking experience at the big stuff and the hard stuff. There are no excuses for getting results early.

QA +

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EVENT SCHEDULE 27 - 28 OCTOBER 2018

SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER Game Match Start 1 1:45pm 2 2:30pm 3 3:15pm 4 4:00pm 5 4:45pm 6 5:30pm 7 6:15pm 8 7:00pm 9 7:45pm

Team 1

Team 2

AUS RSA NZL AUS ENG NZL JAM ENG AUS

MAL JAM ENG JAM MAL RSA MAL RSA NZL

SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER Game Match Team 1 Team 2 Start 10 12:15pm MAL RSA 11 1:00pm AUS ENG 12 1:45pm NZL JAM 13 2:30pm AUS RSA 14 3:15pm NZL MAL 15 4:00pm JAM ENG 4:40pm – 5:00pm ENTERTAINMENT 16 5:15pm Play-off for 5th/6th 17 6:05pm Play-off for 3rd/4th 18 6:55pm GRAND FINAL 7:40pm PRESENTATIONS

TICKETS ON

SALE NOW 25

SHARELLE McMAHON

DIAMONDS CHAMPION AND MEDIA PERSONALITY What has been your view on the 2018 season?

I think it has been incredible, the fierceness that competition has been played has gone to a new level and I have absolutely loved watching the athletes get out and do their thing. One of the most exciting things for me was that most of the teams were so closely matched, that it was really tough to pick a winner each week.

Who have been your standout players?

The obvious one is Jhaniele Fowler. Her influence over the competition has been amazing, her presence within that Fever team has changed the way they have gone about things. What was really impressive for me was the confidence of the rest of the team, Jhaniele has brought the whole team with her and they have all taken a step up. The young player I have been impressed with is Kelsey Browne ... and Renae Hallinan (Ingles) coming back into the Vixens side without missing a beat was incredible.

Which team stood out for you and for what reason?

I think the standout has to be Fever. Their ability to all take a step up was really impressive. It’s not just one or two players, it’s a really great team effort that is putting together something special.

What is the major talking point of the season for you?

The bonus points and the change to the ladder. It kept things interesting right until the last quarter, because we didn’t know the final placings of the final four, so that gave it a big tick for me. The other thing is that it created drama, but the teams with the most wins made the top four which is the best fit for me.

How do you think the new-look Diamonds will go in the international season?

There have been some massive players both on and off the court that have come out of that team from the Commonwealth Games.

That opens up some new opportunities for different people, which is exciting for me.

I think what was proven at the end of last season was with the bigger names out of international season, some new players really stepped up and put in good performances.

That proves we have the best athletes in the world and whoever is out there will get the win for Australia.

QA +

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GIVING GIRLS THE CONFIDENCE TO BE THE BEST THEY CAN BE! The Confident Girls Foundation recognises that participation in sport is key in providing opportunities for girls to develop confidence, as well as physical, social, and emotional health and wellbeing.

Our programs are delivered in partnership with grassroots netball clubs and associations and community service organisations and provide transformational change for vulnerable Australian girls.

We are giving girls the chance to be a part of the team, to take advantage of the values conveyed by sport, to increase knowledge and skills, enabling young girls to develop their physical capabilities, as well as social capabilities such as teamwork, solidarity, tolerance and fair play, all through netball.

When you support The Confident Girls Foundation you are committing to securing opportunities for vulnerable and marginalised young women and girls to thrive, to build their confidence and achieve their dreams!

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: www.confidentgirls.com.au @ConfidentGirlsFoundation 27

proud supporters of women in sport

Geva Mentor Gilbert Ambassador

Kim Ravaillion Gilbert Ambassador

proud supporters of Suncorp Super Netball

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Caitlin Bassett wears Gel Netburner Professional FF

rebelsport.com

THANKS TO OUR SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL PARTNERS PRINCIPAL

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